Intel mobile CPU roadmap

Intel has revealed the roadmap for its future mobile processors, including a forthcoming update to its Core Duo series of processors. The company in August plans on releasing the Core 2 Duo -- codenamed Merom -- the successor to its current Yonah processors (a.k.a., Core Duo) in its first Intel-based Macs released this year. The initial batch of 65nm Merom processors, part of the Core 2 Duo family, will run on a 667MHz front side bus, according to the Daily Tech report, while the second batch will use an 800MHz front side bus and another new socket design, supporting an updated version of Intel's 965 chipset. Dubbed Crestline, the updated platform will offer specific support for notebooks and low power applications. Crestline will feature support for both integrated graphics -- like those used in the MacBook and Intel-based Mac mini -- and standalone graphics chips, like those used in the MacBook Pro.

The report says that the first refresh is due in August and will be geared for Napa's already available Centrino platform, while the second Merom refresh is slated for the second quarter of 2007 alongside the debut of the Santa Rosa Centrino platform, the successor to Intel's Napa Centrino, that will feature a new WiFi chip integrating 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11n protocols. Although the 802.11n draft is not yet final, the working committee is expected to have final specs in time for final production, according to the report.

Earlier this year, Intel said that "Merom" will provide about a 20 percent speed increase without drawing an additional power.

by MacNN Staff